Scripture - 3 Nephi 7

There are dangers in division. We seem to hyper focused on what separates us as a nation. We rarely try to find commonalities. 

In this political climate, it is so easy to talk about "them" and not try and find the "we". Sometimes I’m afraid that we are headed to repeat this time from 3 Nephi. 

But all those other scriptures remind me to be faithful and unafraid. 

No matter what happens, no matter how dark it seems, He has overcome the world. 

Homeless look

Josh traded a Hogwarts shirt for beanie for one day so he could complete his "homeless" ensemble. 

I think the earbuds don’t really fit the theme of what he was going for, but this is how he posed for me.

I’m also not really sure why he wanted to look homeless at school. It’s been cold, so he was just wearing warm clothes. 

Weekend trip to Salt Lake City

Roots Tech is a convention for people into Family History. They have a free day after the week long fun. Deb was able to get five tickets. 

I watched the weather nervously for two weeks. Winter decided to appear the last week of February. I didn’t want to have to drive in snow like Craig and I did when we went to the wedding in January. A bit of a miracle in that the weather cleared and I headed north. 

I wanted to drive so I could visit people in Utah County on the way. 

My first stop was to see Joyce. I haven’t seen her since she had her leg amputated last year. Terrible story beginning with falling and breaking her hip a year ago in October, I think. 

Her sister recently died and Willa got this picture at the funeral. I haven’t seen Patty and Brett in years. 

She is looking good and has a good attitude. 

A better picture of me. 

A better picture of Joyce. 

Her stump, amputated above the knee, she calls Stanley. Her prosthesis she defeats to as Stella. 

She wore if for the first time, I think, last week. She said she was able to take about 40 steps with it and a walker. The therapist was impressed that she was able to do any steps at all. She is Hopi g to gain some measure of mobility, but isn’t sure she will return to driving. She has 2 years on her license and is t sure what to do about it. 

We talked a bit about dad. Of course we both miss him. We talked about him waiting for us "up there". We caught up a bit and I was off again. 

Mary lives in South Provo. The last few times I’ve been north, I’ve had to miss her. But this time we connected and had time for a good chat. We shared stories of family member and brought out the pictures. 

I had left the boys home so they wouldn’t miss two days of work and school. But Mary had her son with her. It was a ward activity, so he didn’t have to listen to 2 old ladies. 

I ended the day in Salt Lake City. 

Saturday was the family day at Roots Tech. Pete, Willa, Gena, Deb and I all went. (Dave and Gena are up with Charlie, who is entering the MTC on Wednesday.) we all had our phones, but we didn’t take any pictures. This picture was taken by two sisters who grew up in Mapleton and knew us from back in the day. 

Good thing for Facebook. I don’t know what is wrong with me. I haven’t seen Gena for about six years and it has been even longer since I’ve seen Dave and Charlie, and I didn’t take any more pictures.   

Sunday was church at Deb’s Ward and then dinner at Willa’s. We broke out the cards and played for old times sake. Ivan and Carl came. There were lots of nieces and nephews and still I didn’t take out the camera. But it was a nice dinner. Good food and laughter. 

Monday I dashed home. Trips are fun, but I am always glad to be home after. 

Shaving shenanigans

We started with this. 

He’s had a beard since November. I have enjoyed it. 

This was the intermediate stage. Less than 30 minutes. 

He’s ended up with this lovely goatee. 

Remembering an old favorite

The missionaries came over for dinner and somehow we got to talking about what music they could listen to. I told them one of my favorite CDs back in the day was The Garden. I ran upstairs to my dusty CD collection and came down with it. Josh got the ancient boom box. And we shared a few songs with the elders. 

Boaz said he wanted the music on his phone. I headed upstairs to the computer and it took me about an hour to remember how to work the program and update it. Once I got it loaded on Boaz’s phone, Josh want it on his as well. 

Sunday I heard the music playing in the bathroom as Boaz was showering and getting ready for church. 

I do love this music. 

A check for Craig’s bucket list

Over 19 years ago I started learning about golf. I also started learning about some of the players. One of the first names I learned was Phil Mickelson. Craig has watched on TV since he became a pro, maybe even before that. 

Saturday the pro golfers came to Santa Monica for a tournament. 

Craig was up before the sun getting ready to see his favorite player. 

His goal was to get there early enough to see them on the putting green before they started playing. 

This is the shot from the first tee. 

I’m not sure what hole this is, but notice how close Phil is. 

And then this shot. 

At the end of the day, Craig watched all the young kids get the autographs. The best thing about Phil is how he treats his fans. He signed for all the youth, and then he stayed around for the old guys too. 

Watch Phil Mickelson play in person. Up close and personal. Check. 

Scripture - Alma 58

Helaman and his stripling army are reconquering their lost territories. They are way out-numbered. The large, remaining Lamanite army is holding one city. Helaman is tasked with getting it back. 

In their impossible circumstances, God tells them it doesn’t matter. It is important that they do their best, but really it is the Lord’s battle and He will prevail. 

They are basically witnesses to His power and ability. 

Today, looking at the craziness of the world, it is still the Lord’s campaign. We must just do our best. His power will be manifest and His glory made known.